A Comprehensive Look At The Use Of Melatonin For Sleep Disorder Treatment

By Randall J Perkins


Down the centuries, scientists have pondered on the mystery of sleeping and light. It seemed no one could explain why it was only natural to fall asleep at night and be awake in the daylight hours. Only until very recently has a plausible and indeed correct explanation been discovered and documented. For years now it has become standard practice for patients suffering a range of conditions to be told to take Melatonin for sleep disorders.

This hormone is commonly referred to as the Dracula hormone due to the fact that secretion almost exclusively occurs at night or, at any rate, in darkness or dimly lit places. As such, the body is attuned to producing this compound at night. Even then though, if someone is subjected to light of adequate intensity, secretion will be sharply inhibited.

There is adequate evidence to show that the amount of hormone an individual produces is related to their age. There are certainly personal differences, but the trend is decidedly less amounts as someone gradually grows from childhood to adulthood.

Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome is a common condition for which this form of therapy is applied. In its basic form, the problem manifests as a deviation form the normal 24 hour wakefulness cycle. While Melatonin has proved effective treatment for this form of disorder, insomnia, which has almost similar symptoms, cannot be similarly treated.

An emerging application of this hormonal therapy is its use as a mild hypnotic. In order for this to happen, the application has to be done anywhere between thirty and ninety minutes before someone sleeps. This interval depends on individual ability for the natural secretion to hit optimum production.

If someone takes a higher than expected dosage of about 50mg, this will cause them to experience more REM or Rapid Eye Movement Sleep. This is popularly associated with vivid dreams which can sometimes border on the nightmarish.

This form of therapy has also been identified as effective in aiding people who sleepwalk. The application does not matter even if the underlying explanation is due to trauma, genetic disorders or depression.

In the United States, Melatonin is the only hormonal compound that someone can buy without a medical prescription as prerequisite. This can be an excuse to abuse the supplement when someone fails to be cautious as they ought. Improper usage can lead to even greater problems as the body own clock is interfered with.




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